Dallas Mavericks Sign 7-Footer Amid Center Injury Struggles

Dallas Mavericks Sign 7-Footer Amid Center Injury Struggles

Dallas Mavericks Injury Report

The Mavericks have been bitten by the injury bug hard. Currently, they have six players listed as out for Monday’s game against the Washington Wizards. Of these six, three are big men. Dwight Powell has been out for the last four games with a strained hip and Maxi Kleber has a fractured right foot. Additionally, the biggest injury to Dallas’ frontcourt however is that to Dereck Lively II.

The team announced on Wednesday that Lively will be re-evaluated in four weeks for his right ankle stress fracture. Lively has been playing 24 minutes per game and is averaging a career-high 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in his sophomore season. The Kelley signing should help replace some of Livley’s production. 

Kylor Kelley Stats

Even though Kelley went undrafted, he has been fighting for his chance to make it to the league. While at Oregon State, the 27-year-old earned Pac-12 All-Defensive Team honors in both 2019 and 2020. 

Kelley played in the G League for the South Bay Lakers this season and is averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game across nine appearances. Last season, he was named to the NBA G League All-Defensive Team while leading the league in blocks with the Maine Celtics.

For his G League career, Kelley has played 73 total games, starting in 38. His career averages are 7.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. Although these numbers may not jump out, they aren’t so different from Lively’s rookie year numbers. Those earned him a starting spot on the Mavericks. 

The Kylor Kelley-Mavericks Fit

Kelley certainly won’t be winning the Mavericks any games on his own. That being said, his skills are well-suited to replace some of what Lively does at the center spot. Kelley will be able to protect the rim and be a vertical lob threat on the offensive end. 

An added benefit to the Kelley signing is that Dallas won’t have to rely as heavily on Daniel Gafford. His addition allows the Mavericks not to overplay Gafford and keep him producing at a high level. For Kelley, this opportunity marks a golden chance to establish himself in the NBA, and with Dallas in need of consistent contributions, he could become a key piece moving forward.